Since its establishment, Aberlour Futures has been committed to empowering the future early years workforce and equipping practitioners with the necessary knowledge and skills to support children and young people, particularly in line with The Promise – Scotland’s commitment to ensure that every child grows up loved, safe and respected.

Susan Greig, Service Manager at Aberlour Futures, plays a key role in ensuring that the organisation not only meets regulatory standards but also delivers a person-centred, values-driven approach to training.

“Our mission is to ensure that we meet the needs of our learners while upholding the values of Aberlour as an organisation,” says Susan.

“We are a training provider that contributes significantly to the childcare workforce by delivering high-quality qualifications and training to the future workforce in schools and within a variety of childcare services including professionals who are currently working with children and young people.”

Aberlour Futures offers a range of qualifications aimed at young people looking to work with children in the future, including their entry-level Skills for Work course and their Foundation, Modern and Technical Apprenticeships. The organisation also supports adult learners seeking to improve their knowledge to undertake SVQ awards to help support children and young people’s wellbeing, resilience and promote their rights.

By delivering these qualifications, the organisation plays a crucial role in shaping the future workforce.

“We help shape the potential pathways for the children and young people we work with in schools by helping them consider a range of careers,” explains Susan.

“It’s not only careers such as childcare practitioners, but teachers, paediatric nurses and social workers who will support and work closely with children throughout their career.

“This is achieved by helping the young people realise their potential and consider a range of careers through the delivery of our qualifications.”

Susan reflects on the key values that drives Aberlour Futures’ work, saying: “Our work is deeply rooted in the principles of The Promise. We are committed to providing care and support for children and families, helping them to overcome challenges in their lives. The Promise is not something we add in, it is naturally embedded in every aspect of what we do.

“We want to effect change in a positive way that will make Scotland a better place for children to grow up loved, safe and respected as well as being able to realise their full potential.”

The Promise, aligned with the incorporation of the UNCRC which Aberlour is equally committed to delivering, highlights the importance of ensuring children are listened to, respected and giving them support they need to thrive regardless of their life circumstances.

Currently working in St Machar Academy and Aberdeen Grammar School, the Aberlour Futures staff team can recognise that anxieties in pupils may stem from personal challenges such as dyslexia, poverty and unstable family relationships – all responses to trauma. As part of this approach, the team demonstrate a trauma-informed practice in their work.

Susan says: “We provide an individualised response and offer that flexible approach to learning, offering one to one support whilst recognising that the standard approaches wouldn’t address these underlying issues.

“Aberlour Futures provide the safety and stability that our learners need, creating a safe environment which builds trust with our staff team and reduces any anxieties they may have.

“The Promise talks about ‘holding the hands of those who hold the hands of children’ and that’s precisely what we do. We empower our learners to have a sense of control whilst fostering partnership as they learn – this is what makes Aberlour Futures standout from the rest.”

Aberlour Futures fully embraces this approach by focusing on the development of its learners through a curriculum that balances essential knowledge with a strong focus on building relationships and understanding child development.

“Our staff team are highly person-centred,” Susan explains.

“This role-modelling approach filters down to the learners, ultimately impacting how they engage with children and young people. They then carry these values forward when they begin working directly with children in a range of job roles.

“Being able to provide this essential scaffolding allows us to be there for the children when they need us most.

“It’s about understanding communication, relationships and the impact they have on a child’s wellbeing. We work hard to instil these concepts in all our learners, ensuring they are well prepared for a career in this sector.”

A shining example of Aberlour Futures’ impact is Jenni Emmanuel, who was awarded Foundation Apprentice of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in 2024.

“Jenni began her childcare career through our Skills for Work and Foundation Apprenticeship programme while still in school, gaining practical experience at Kaimhill Nursery where she impressed staff with her performance,” says Susan.

“Her dedication and initiative led to further opportunities where she secured employment at Bright Horizons Treehouse Nursery while undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship with Aberlour Futures.”

This stands as a testament to the quality training and support provided by Aberlour Futures, ensuring learners are well prepared for successful careers in childcare.

Aberlour Futures also offers specialised training for those working with children in a variety of roles, whether as early years practitioners, school aged staff, foster carers or kinship carers, ensuring that everyone involved in a child’s care and development is well-equipped to create a positive, nurturing environment.

“Our training equips not only professionals but also parents and others who are involved closely with children in their lives,” says Susan.

“This is fundamental to keeping The Promise and essential for building a more positive future for all children, young people and families across Scotland.

“We want our training to have a ripple effect, not just within the early years sector but across the wider community to involve anyone who has an influence on a child’s life,” Susan adds.

“By providing training and resources to a broad range of individuals, we help create a society that is committed to ensuring that children grow up with the right support, care and respect.”

“We ensure that we are getting it right for every child and empower the childcare workforce through our training and qualifications, all whilst upholding The Promise which is a commitment we always strive towards.”

Aberlour Futures continues to develop its approach, keeping up to date with new legislation and government changes – ensuring that The Promise remains central to their mission.

Susan continues, saying: “We are always evolving as an organisation to meet the needs of the children and families we support, especially with The Promise as a framework.

“It’s important that our training reflects the most current understanding of child development, communication and rights – The Promise really helps with this.

“We have a far-reaching impact and we are laying the groundwork for a better future for children all across Scotland.”

By delivering high-quality, person-centred training and qualifications, Aberlour Futures is ensuring that those who work with children are equipped to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

“The work we do is about creating a workforce to provide that crucial scaffolding to support children and young people, empowering them to realise their full potential,” Susan explains.

“It’s not just about the qualifications – it’s about the values and principles we instil in the workforce, ensuring they are ready to support the next generation in a way that aligns with The Promise.”

The Promise has highlighted the need for significant changes in Scotland. Susan continues: “As The Promise progresses through to 2030, we constantly evolve our service to reflect the needs of those we are working with and working towards that final overarching goal.

“It’s good to identify the foundations that we fall within The Promise, but also to improve on and continually review our work as a training provider.

“At Aberlour Futures, I believe we are making a difference in the right way. We ensure that we are getting it right for every child and empower the childcare workforce through our training and qualifications, all whilst upholding The Promise which is a commitment we always strive towards.”

To find out more about Aberlour Futures, visit their website at futures.aberlour.org.uk or get in touch by phone: 01224 518571 or email: futures@aberlour.org.uk

To find out more about The Promise in Aberdeen, visit ACVO’s dedicated webpage at acvo.org.uk/thepromise

This article originally appeared in the April edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine featuring news and updates for and from the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the latest and past editions, and sign up to have it sent direct to your inbox every month at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news